Maybe never look a gift Rodin bust in the provenance?

The more I think of this story, the more I think that it’s a net problem it is for the town in question.

I mean, what are they going to do with the blessed thing? Especially now that it’s suddenly a drain on the annual budget, thanks to the sudden need for extra security. I guess that they could sell it, if they could find a buyer. For that matter: the paper trail for this bust of Napoleon would be sufficient if the bust in question was worth maybe a grand.  If it’s worth ten million, then maybe somebody’s going to be interested in contest one or another of the transfers of ownership.

Still, it’s a great story. Especially if you’re the woman who figured out that it really was a sculpture by Rodin. That looks real good on a resume.

2 thoughts on “Maybe never look a gift Rodin bust in the provenance?”

  1. It’s very hard to accuse a government entity of theft.
    Even when they’re clearly guilty of it (see also: asset forfeiture laws, abuse of).
    .
    In this case, after the piece being donated posthumously by someone with Rockefeller prominently among her many names…
    Even if a claimant’s proof is somehow airtight, they’re just wasting their money seeking redress.

    1. Legally, probably. But a small town city council isn’t going to want to look like the bad guys, if someone has a good claim, that will rally people.

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